The absence of Casemiro from the Manchester United side has been discussed at length this season.
The midfielder is currently serving a four game domestic ban following his red card against Southampton last month. The Brazilian has missed a host of matches through suspension this season and United have felt the 31-year-old's absence.
His from this term has been superb and his ability to screen the backline is crucial to United's set-up. Scott McTominay has been utilised in that role since the international break but the Scotland international does not have the same ability as Casemiro.
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And while his defensive attributes have been sorely missed, ex-United man Danny Higginbotham believes his attacking instincts are also a struggle to replace. The former Real Madrid man has five goals to his name this term while his talent in the middle of the park contributes to United's forward play. And Higginbotham feels Casemiro's absence is hindering Erik ten Hag's side's ability to dominate games.
"The word is control, when they are at their best they are controlling games," said the 44-year-old. "At the moment they are erratic, similar to how they were last season. You don't know what you are going to get from them.
"People have spoken about Casemiro being missed for the defensive structure of the team, I think he is missed on the attacking structure. Because he plays a role that two players are having to play at the moment.
"A lot of the wingers for United are having to do a lot of tracking back because they are not in control of games. That for me is the biggest problem.
"When you look at the team you can see what he (Ten Hag) is trying to do but it shows how important a player is when he is taken out of the team - like Casemiro - you can't control the game and he is such a key player. Any top team in world football, your defensive midfielder or deep-lying midfield player is so important.
"It it all about control and teams playing against Manchester United, they are getting control. Casemiro has the ability to slow the game down and speed it up. But at the moment it is erratic and all over the place and teams believe they can get something against United."
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